The South Carolina Gamecocks’ remarkable season ended with a disappointing 82-59 loss to UConn in the National Championship game. While the defeat was unexpected by many fans and analysts, a closer look at the Gamecocks’ performance in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight may reveal early indication of the challenges they faced against UConn.
Sweet 16: Narrow escape against Maryland
In the Sweet 16, South Carolina edged out Maryland with a 71-67 victory. Despite the win, the Gamecocks saw resistance from the Terrapins, especially in the perimeter defense and offensive consistency. Throughout the game, Maryland’s guards exploited the gaps on the court, leading to open shots which forced South Carolina into a much closer contest than anticipated. South Carolina was trailing by one point with less than four minutes to go in the game, before MiLaysia Fulwiley began a 7-0 run that gave the Gamecocks some room to breathe.
Elite Eight: Defensive Battle against Duke
The Elite Eight matchup against Duke was another hard-fought game, with the Gamecocks barely securing the win, 54-50. This low-scoring game highlighted South Carolina’s offensive struggles as they faced difficulty breaking down Duke’s zone defense. The Blue Devils effectively limited the Gamecocks inside scoring, as Duke freshman Toby Fournier blocked three shots and pulled down six rebounds. Duke was only down by two with one minute to play, when South Carolina missed a layup but got the offensive rebound to push the score gap back up before Chloe Kitts sank two free throws to seal the deal.
Reoccurring themes heading into the Championship
These consecutive close games underscore several issues that were apparent in the title game against UConn.
- Offensive Inconsistency: The challenge the Gamecocks face in keeping a consistent offensive rhythm was evident in the early rounds of the tournament, which was exploited by UConn’s aggressive defense.
- Perimeter Defense: Difficulty in defending against guards and closing out shooters allowed opponents, including UConn, to capitalize beyond the arc.
- Adaptability: The Gamecocks struggled against several defensive schemes in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight, which highlighted a need for more versatile offensive strategies, which was a shortcoming against UConn.
Looking ahead to next season
While the Gamecocks’ season did not end as hoped, their journey offers valuable lessons as they rebuild for next year. Addressing these issues, combined with a new roster, will be crucial as South Carolina aims to return with a stronger presence. With a talented roster of old and new and an experienced coaching staff, there is every reason to believe the Gamecocks will be back in championship contention soon.
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